Johnny Collier Has Not Broken Any Laws According to State Officials

LAUREL, Miss (THN News) - The recent investigation into Johnny Collier, a contractor hired by the City of Laurel, Mississippi, has stirred significant public interest and debate.

After an investigation by Hattiesburg News, Johnny Collier has been cleared of any wrongdoing. He has not broken any state or local laws. Both Johnny Collier's family and the City of Laurel welcomed the news.

Understanding the Case: What Happened with Johnny Collier?

Hattiesburg News received multiple inquires about people in Laurel performing jobs without proper license or authority, which promoted a THN Investigation, prompting state officials to clarify licensing requirements.

Johnny Collier was contracted by the City of Laurel to demolish houses. Questions arose about whether he held the proper residential contractor license for this work.

"Submitting a bid, entering into a contract, or otherwise engaging in the business of a contractor without holding a certificate of responsibility number issued under this chapter in violation of Miss Code Ann. §31-3-21,"

According to state officials, typically contractors that violate state law formal complaints say, "Submitting a bid, entering into a contract, or otherwise engaging in the business of a contractor without holding a certificate of responsibility number issued under this chapter in violation of Miss Code Ann. §31-3-21," as with the case of MD Designs LLC, Byrne & Jones Sports Construction, Hargrove Sealcoating and Stripping, MS Designs Inc, SD Industries LLC, Joe R Jones Construction Inc and countless others.

However, The Mississippi Board of Contractors confirmed that a residential contractor license is not required for demolishing residential houses, especially for projects under $50,000. He is also not required to get commercial license either.

Not only does the state not require a license, it does not issue licenses specifically for demolition projects below this threshold. Instead, the only necessary approval is from the local municipalities on what they require, which is generally liability insurance.

Since the City of Laurel contracted Johnny Collier, this approval effectively authorized his work. State officials concluded that Johnny was not in violation of any state or local laws. This clarification ended the uncertainty surrounding his licensing status and the legitimacy of his contract.

Reactions from City Officials and the Community

"We're glad to hear this news!" - Laurel City Council President George Carmichael.

The outcome of the investigation was welcomed by many city leaders and residents. City Council President George Carmichael was both relieved and excited about the news that the City of Laurel as well Johnny Collier did not break any laws.

He emphasized that the process reaffirmed Laurel’s commitment to being accountable to its citizens.

"The City of Laurel is being transparent. Integrity is the most important thing to the City Council. Just glad that this didn't come to any criminal activity. We're glad to hear this news!" said President Carmichael."

Johnny Collier’s family also voiced relief and happiness that his name was cleared. They felt he had been unfairly targeted but understood the public’s desire to know how tax dollars are spent and who receives contracts. The family highlighted Johnny’s ongoing contributions to the community, including:

• Sponsoring local sports teams and events

• Volunteering for community projects

• Providing free services such as counting down trees to protect homes in underserved neighborhoods

  
  

These actions reflect Johnny’s dedication to giving back beyond his contracted work.

The Controversy Around the Building Department

While Johnny Collier’s case was resolved, it sparked many concerns about the City of Laurel’s building department.

Often considered an outspoken critic of the current administration, Council Member Marian Allen pushed for an investigation into the department’s operations, citing dissatisfaction from many local businesses and residents.

It also raised broader concerns from Councilwoman Allen, an outspoken community leader turned recently elected public official, about where citizens dollars are going and to who, as she continues to fight for not only better communities throughout Laurel, but also for transparency with the city government.

These issues led to a packed city hall meeting where citizens voiced their frustrations. Despite the public pressure, the city council did not approve the proposed investigation.

Councilwoman Allen also requested that all payments to contractors be paused until the matter was resolved. However, Mayor Johnny Magee opposed this, arguing that contractors who completed work should be paid promptly.

The council ultimately agreed to pay Johnny Collier for his completed work, reflecting a balance between addressing concerns and honoring contractual obligations.